Meet The Owner
Pets have been a part of Mark’s life since he was born. Over the years, Mark has shared his life with quite a collection of critters, including dogs, cats, tropical fish, rats (the pet kind!), lizards, and even a couple chinchillas. At one time or another, he has been owned by a Basset Hound, a Sheltie, a “Benji”, an Irish Setter, a Dachshund, a Fox Terrier, and a Doberman Pinscher named Lily who was so loving she wanted to sleep on your lap!
Mark spent 25 years as a corporate executive with Coca-Cola, Baskin Robbins, and the international arm of RJ Reynolds (nope, he doesn’t smoke!). And he spent 15 of those years working with those companies overseas, in Korea, Pakistan, and Russia. In fact, the current pet in his life is Gigi, a Norwegian Forest Cat purchased from a Russian “babushka” for 50 rubles (about $1.65!).
Mark has been in Atlanta since 2004 and is the very proud parent of three adult children. He is a member of Pet Sitters, International; the Georgia Network of Professional Pet Sitters; and The Buckhead Business Association. He is also certified in Pet First Aid.
Learn a little bit more about Buckhead Paws
Interested in joining our team?
While previous pet care experience isn’t mandatory, qualities such as a strong customer service focus; dependability; and a caretaking heart are. Send a resume and cover letter explaining a bit about yourself and why you think you’d be a great pet care provider to Mark Shaver at [email protected]
Meet The Team
Laura
As a young adult, I experienced many different career paths, but I realized early on that my passion lies in animals. Pet sitting is a gratifying reward instead of a “job”. In the ten years I’ve been in the field, I’ve always been committed to providing quality care and treating every pet as if they were my own.
Briana
I’m one of those rare creatures who is a genuine native of Atlanta! I graduated from Spelman College with a Bachelor of Arts in acting, so when I’m not taking care of pets for Buckhead Paws, I’m auditioning for parts on stage or screen.
I have three dogs of my own, Jackson the Beagle; Toby the Maltipoo; and Max the Chow mix, and I have a real love for all creatures great and small.
Margaret
Ever since I was little, I’ve loved animals… dogs, cats, birds, fish, even hermit crabs. I began working for Buckhead Paws as one of my very first jobs, back in 2010. All these years later, I love taking care of animals – all kinds and sizes.
On a personal note, I’m a recent graduate of Oglethorpe University, where, I studied English and Japanese.
Brandi
I moved to the Atlanta area in 2013 and started a career in pet sitting and dog walking. I have a great deal of pride in and passion for what I do for my clients and their furbabies. I always try to spend extra time with pets to give them love, attention and exercise. I really believe I have the best job in the world!
Julie
My goal in working with Buckhead Paws is to provide clients with confidence and peace of mind. I will treat your pet with love, kindness and patience.
I combine my love of dogs and my desire to support individuals with special needs by volunteering with Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). CCI is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by matching them with highly-trained assistance dogs.
Lynn
Growing up on a dairy farm in the small town of Hallstead, PA, I was fortunate to connect with animals at a very early age. I have a knack for keeping animals calm and making them feel comfortable. One of my clients said: “I’ve never seen Stella accept someone so quickly, so I know you have a special love for pets.”
After pursuing a career as a mechanical process engineer, I discovered that it was not my life’s calling. I’ve since co-founded a nonprofit to help our veterans and love being a professional pet caregiver.
Jim
I’ve been pet-sitting for more than 20 years. During that time, I’ve also fostered more than 200 dogs for Atlanta rescue groups. Luckily, I have the help of my assistants, two chihuahuas – Ginger and Chihuahua (no joke!) – and a black lab named Bishop.
Prior to starting my dog sitting career, I was a customer service specialist in telecommunications and mortgage banking.
Nancy
I was born and raised in Massachussetts, but have been here in Atlanta since 1990. Growing up, I had the usual dogs, cats, and goldfish, as well as hamsters, turtles, a parakeet, and a horse – but not all at once! I studied English in college, then worked in advertising before and after raising my son and daughter. Now, I’ve come full circle, and I’m back with the animals – and I’m having a wonderful time caring for them with Buckhead Paws.
Chloe
Hi, my name is Chloe Cooper, I’m 19, and I’m originally from Alabama. I have two dogs named Jack and Dolly that live back home with my parents; I miss them terribly and unfortunately cannot have a pet at my apartment currently. I joined BuckHead Paws so that I can give all of my love and attention to others pets since I cannot give it to my own. I am an animals rights advocate and love and respect all animals of any kind. It is my top priority to give your pets as well as other animals the care and respect they need. My dream career is to work at the Zimbabwe Animal Rescue Center providing care for the animals on the reserve.